Pune: After days of intense negotiations, the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party have reached a final agreement on seat-sharing for the upcoming Pune Municipal Corporation elections. Leaders from both camps confirmed that the formula for contesting seats has been settled, paving the way for joint participation in the civic polls.
As per the agreement, the NCP faction led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar will contest 125 seats, while the Sharad Chandra Pawar-led NCP will field candidates in 40 seats. The understanding marks a significant political reconciliation ahead of the local body elections, following earlier uncertainty over seat allocation and party symbols.
To avoid internal dissent and last-minute rebellion, both factions have decided not to publicly announce candidate lists immediately. Instead, candidates will receive their AB nomination forms directly, a move aimed at maintaining tighter organisational control until the final stage of the election process.
Sources indicated that senior leaders from both sides, including Ajit Pawar, Sharad Pawar loyalists, and city-level leadership, were involved in multiple rounds of discussions before arriving at the final seat-sharing arrangement. The agreement also resolves issues related to symbol usage in wards where candidates from both factions may contest.
In wards where candidates from both sides contest under different symbols, a mutually agreed mechanism has been put in place to ensure voter clarity and prevent confusion. Party leaders said these decisions were taken keeping the interests of voters and electoral fairness in mind.
With the seat-sharing deadlock resolved, both NCP factions are now expected to focus on campaign strategy and coordination as the Pune civic elections approach.
